Brady and the Patriots win back-to-back Super Bowls
Feb. 1, 2004 & Feb 6. 2005: Brady confirmed a bust would be waiting for his arrival in Canton after leading the Patriots to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, both in thrilling fashion, Just like their first appearance in the big game, the Patriots opened up a lead in Super Bowl XXXVIII, this time over the Panthers. In the fourth quarter, up 21-10, Carolina crept back and took a 22-21 lead. With 1:08, Brady again drove the Patriots down the field to get up a game-winning Adam Vinatieri field goal. Brady was awarded his second MVP award after throwing for 354 yards and three touchdowns.
Brady and the Patriots won their third Super Bowl in four years after again getting out to an earlier lead, and again, letting the opponent, this time the Eagles, keep it close. The Eagles cut the lead to three with 1:48—and regained possession after the Pats went three-and-out after an onside left—but failed to convert. Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch stole the show with 11 catches and 133 yards but Brady’s legend only continued to grow. SO did the outside world questioning the Patriots’ astonishing success.
According to an ESPN story published years later, in light of the Patriots’ Spygate scandal, the Eagles accused the Pats of cheating, after being confounded as to how their opponent was seemingly so prepared for their Philadelphia’s dime defense.